Non-fiction, 2015

Examination of John Peel’s radio broadcasting career, through a chronology of some the dj’s shows. A book by an admirer rather than a blinkered fan, and obviously a music enthusiast with a turn of words. If some of the contextual details feel a little particular, this is no disaster, as the book moves along nicely, painting a picture of Peel and some of his various musical friendships and the highs, lows and other dealings with his employees, and notably with BBC heads and controllers. Peel comes out well, as you’d expect, though this is a cracking read which dissents, here and there.